Second Language Acquisition
May 1, 2024
Updated May 10, 2025
25 minute read
Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is the fascinating process of how people learn a language in addition to their native tongue. This field of study examines what learners do and how they develop proficiency in a new language, whether it's their second, third, or even tenth language. SLA encompasses both informal learning in natural settings, like picking up a language while living abroad, and formal learning in classrooms. It's an interdisciplinary field, drawing insights from linguistics, psychology, education, and even neuroscience to understand the complexities of learning another language.
Exploring SLA can be engaging for several reasons. It offers insights into the human mind and how it processes and learns complex systems like language. Understanding SLA can also have significant practical implications. For instance, it can inform more effective language teaching methods, help businesses communicate better in a globalized world, and even contribute to the development of advanced language learning technologies. For individuals, delving into SLA can unlock a deeper appreciation for the languages they speak and a clearer path to mastering new ones.
What is Second Language Acquisition?
Second Language Acquisition (SLA) refers to both the study of how individuals and groups learn an additional language after their first one is established and the actual process of learning that language. The language being learned is often called the L2 or target language. SLA research looks at everything from how a child learns a new language in a playground to how an adult studies in a formal classroom setting. It's a broad field that considers the cognitive processes involved, the influence of the learner's first language, and the impact of social and environmental factors.
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Reading list
We've selected 36 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Second Language Acquisition.
This handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview of the field of SLA. It includes chapters by leading scholars in the field, who cover a wide range of topics, including the cognitive, social, and cultural factors that influence SLA.
This widely-used textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of SLA. It covers the major theories and models of SLA, as well as the empirical research that has been conducted to test these theories and models.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of SLA. It covers the major theories and models of SLA, as well as the empirical research that has been conducted to test these theories and models. It also explores the cross-linguistic factors that influence SLA and covers a wide range of typologically diverse languages
A comprehensive and updated overview of SLA, this book delves into various perspectives including sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and linguistic. It includes discussion questions and problems, making it suitable for both undergraduate and graduate introductory courses. The latest editions incorporate recent developments and pedagogical tools.
Offering a balanced and interdisciplinary approach, this book covers linguistic, psychological, and social aspects of SLA. It is well-structured with key terms and summaries, making it a valuable resource for undergraduate students. The third edition includes updated material and online resources, enhancing its utility as a textbook.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language assessment. It includes chapters by leading scholars in the field, who cover a wide range of topics, including the cognitive, social, and cultural factors that influence language assessment.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of psycholinguistics. It includes chapters by leading scholars in the field, who cover a wide range of topics, including the cognitive, social, and cultural factors that influence language processing.
Will equip students with the theoretical and methodological knowledge needed to undertake advanced level study in SLA, as well as to conduct their own research projects. This book is aimed at a student audience but is useful for academics and researchers as well.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the main theories in SLA from multiple perspectives. Updated editions reflect the latest developments and are an essential resource for graduate students. It helps solidify understanding of the theoretical landscape.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of child SLA. It covers a wide range of topics, including the cognitive, social, and linguistic factors that influence child SLA.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cognitive processes involved in SLA. It covers a wide range of topics, including the role of attention, memory, and feedback in SLA.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of language teaching. It includes chapters by leading scholars in the field, who cover a wide range of topics, including the cognitive, social, and cultural factors that influence language teaching and learning.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of applied linguistics. It includes chapters by leading scholars in the field, who cover a wide range of topics, including the cognitive, social, and cultural factors that influence language teaching and learning.
Offers a critical and comprehensive synthesis of SLA research, encouraging readers to think deeply about the theoretical underpinnings. It is suitable for graduate students and researchers and is valuable for gaining a nuanced understanding of the field's complexities.
Considered a foundational text, this book provides a thorough examination of the theoretical and empirical aspects of SLA. It is more detailed than introductory texts and is highly recommended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students seeking to deepen their understanding. It's a key reference for researchers in the field.
Focuses specifically on how instruction affects second language learning. It's essential reading for anyone interested in the role of teaching in SLA and is valuable for graduate students and researchers in instructed SLA.
As a comprehensive handbook, this volume offers in-depth coverage of a wide range of topics and is an invaluable reference for researchers and advanced graduate students. It provides a broad overview of the state of the art in SLA research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the methodological approaches used in SLA research. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of second language writing. It covers a wide range of topics, including the cognitive, social, and cultural factors that influence second language writing.
This introductory textbook explores the main issues driving SLA research through a 'key questions' structure, making it highly accessible for students with limited prior knowledge. It helps solidify understanding of the core debates and areas of inquiry in the field.
Debunks common myths about SLA by drawing on research findings, making it highly relevant for language teachers and teacher trainees. It helps bridge the gap between research and practice and useful resource for informing pedagogical decisions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), a popular pedagogical approach informed by SLA research. It's highly relevant for language teachers and teacher trainers and helps connect theory to classroom practice.
This handbook examines the crucial role of social factors in SLA, offering an interdisciplinary perspective. It's a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students interested in the intersection of SLA and sociolinguistics, covering contemporary topics in the field.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/amhksy/second
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